The Los Angeles Lakers have several roster questions looming, and one of the biggest centers on Austin Reaves.
After a breakout season in which he hit career highs across the board, Reaves has positioned himself as one of the NBA’s most valuable complementary scorers. His offensive versatility made the Lakers dangerous last season, even if pairing him alongside Luka Doncic defensively raised concerns.
Now, with unrestricted free agency on the horizon, one insider believes Reaves is about to cash in big.
Austin Reaves Could Top $100 Million
Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty ImagesAustin Reaves, Los Angeles Lakers
Reaves was ranked the NBA’s 60th-best player by ESPN heading into the 2025–26 season. That ranking came with a bold projection from reporter Dave McMenamin:
“Reaves and his representatives turned down a four-year, nearly $90 million contract extension offer from the Lakers in June, setting himself up to test unrestricted free agency next summer and sign a new deal worth well over $100 million.”
It’s a major gamble for the 27-year-old guard, but one that looks likely to pay off given his rising profile.
Lakers Still Hope to Keep Reaves
The Lakers continue to believe in Reaves. Governor Jeanie Buss made her stance clear earlier this year, calling him a vital piece of the franchise.
“He just keeps proving himself over and over and over again. We’re just lucky to have him,” Buss told ESPN in April.
Still, Los Angeles faces an uphill battle. If the team opts to start Marcus Smart for defensive balance alongside Doncic and LeBron James, Reaves may find himself relegated to the bench. That scenario could push him to explore a bigger role — and a bigger paycheck — elsewhere.
What the Lakers Get From Reaves
Last season, Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting 46% from the field and 37.7% from three. His offensive arsenal makes him an ideal third scorer on a contending roster, and multiple teams would likely line up with max-level interest.
For the Lakers, the decision is clear. If they value Reaves as a cornerstone, they’ll need to commit to him both financially and in the rotation. Otherwise, he may decide to chase a bigger role and a brighter spotlight outside Los Angeles.
LeBron James’ Future Still Looms Over Lakers
Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty ImagesLeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
While Reaves’ contract situation draws headlines, the bigger picture in Los Angeles continues to revolve around James. Now entering his 23rd NBA season, the 40-year-old forward remains one of the league’s top players, but questions about how much longer he’ll keep going are unavoidable.
James averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists last season, shooting over 51% from the field and nearly 38% from deep. The production hasn’t slowed, but even his agent Rich Paul has hinted that fans should “appreciate the present” when it comes to LeBron’s career.
The Lakers are chasing one more title with James while preparing for life without him. That dual challenge — keeping stars like Reaves while managing LeBron’s eventual exit — may define the direction of the franchise in the years ahead.
Lakers Could Be Forced Into $100 Million Decision, Says Insider